Re: Trazodone

[Guest guest]

Shirley,

My Mom has been getting Trazodone for about 2 months now. Originally it was

ordered once a day and there was a PRN dose. Yesterday it was increased to 3

times daily at 50mg per dose. Mom has been very agitated lately. We are

hoping this will help. Mom has had hallucinations even when taking Atypical

Antipsychotics. I hope the increase in the Trazodone doesn't increase them.

Mom had also been on Seroquel, another Atypical Antipsychotic like Respirdol.

Unfortunately for Mom she is very sensitive to these drugs and has adverse

effects to them. She develops Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome type symptoms.

She becomes rigid. We have tried several at low doses and she still has the

same adverse effects.

I'm hoping we are going to be able to find a " cocktail " that will work for

her.

Mariea

[Guest guest]

Shirley,

My Mom has been getting Trazodone for about 2 months now. Originally it was

ordered once a day and there was a PRN dose. Yesterday it was increased to 3

times daily at 50mg per dose. Mom has been very agitated lately. We are

hoping this will help. Mom has had hallucinations even when taking Atypical

Antipsychotics. I hope the increase in the Trazodone doesn't increase them.

Mom had also been on Seroquel, another Atypical Antipsychotic like Respirdol.

Unfortunately for Mom she is very sensitive to these drugs and has adverse

effects to them. She develops Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome type symptoms.

She becomes rigid. We have tried several at low doses and she still has the

same adverse effects.

I'm hoping we are going to be able to find a " cocktail " that will work for

her.

Mariea

[Guest guest]

Shirley wrote:

I think I need to talk with him, I guess he doesn't realize the reason I

came to him is because Mom and Dad need help. Sorry to babble but

AAAAAAAGGGUH!

****************************************

The dr might not be aware of the magnitude of the problems for both your

mom and dad. My sister and I were finally contacted to help with my

parents because they were so in denial and trying desperately to

maintain their independence as well. Their dr finally figured it out

that he might need some help. ~lula

[Guest guest]

Shirley wrote:

I think I need to talk with him, I guess he doesn't realize the reason I

came to him is because Mom and Dad need help. Sorry to babble but

AAAAAAAGGGUH!

****************************************

The dr might not be aware of the magnitude of the problems for both your

mom and dad. My sister and I were finally contacted to help with my

parents because they were so in denial and trying desperately to

maintain their independence as well. Their dr finally figured it out

that he might need some help. ~lula

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2002-08-10 10:38:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

sanclown@... writes:

> Trazadone

We have been using Trazodone 25mg at night only. Has made quite a

difference, hope it keeps up.

[Guest guest]

Shirley

My dad takes Trazadone 100 mg. This is one of the meds. I am slowly

taking him off of. It doesn't seem to help, or atleast any more, and he

seems to be on so many meds., that I am weeding them out. Good luck!

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/9/02 6:14:56 PM Central Daylight Time,

shirley0914@... writes:

> they gave her a different one that was basically a plastic collar with a

> shin rest which was never usable because it hurt too much.

Hi, Shirley. No experience with Trazadone, but I am interested in your mom's

collar.

My husband has a firm soft collar which I think works the best, but the

velcro is wearing out so we use safety pins and bandage tape!! The hospital

gave him another collar, but it is softer. He also has a Minerva brace that

doesn't do enough. After the hospital the PT and OT got him to agree to use

the chin cup. It worked great, but then Lewy started pulling him down worse

and it has become very uncomfortable, so he rarely uses it. It can be

adjusted, but you have to take it apart, and dropping it to the next screw

hole wouldn't give him any support at all. Massage therapy is maintaining a

straighter back, but his head is way, way down again. Worries me. So please

let me know if you come up with something that really helps your mom.

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Mariea,

My MIL is also very sensitive to these types of drugs. Things have been

going pretty smoothly until yesterday. My MIL is on a very low dose of

Risperidal, Paxil, and Aricept, and that has been a pretty effective

cocktail, however, the doctor, almost exactly 6 weeks ago, cut my MIL's

Paxil dose in 1/2. We think that combined with the fact that my FIL was on

a fishing trip for over a week (she missed him terribly), upset my MIL to

the point where she lost it Sunday morning. It was awful. She woke up in a

very grouchy mood, and later, attacked the staff lady who was working that

morning (group home where there is only 1 staff person for 5 people). She

told her to " get out of my house " . My MIL has very long strong nails and

used them to attack this poor gal and then tried to rip her shirt off. The

entire time she was screaming at her calling her a whore and telling her to

get out. I have never seen my MIL like this and it was very scary. I was

notified that I had to have her removed and taken to the hospital for an

evaluation and med upgrade. I had to call my FIL at work and I met him over

at the hospital. We were there from 2:00pm until 7:30pm getting her checked

in and a room on the mental health ward. I hate her being there because this

ward has a lot of people with psychotic behaviors and I think it is too

stimulating for her.

They have boosted her Paxil to 30mg, and have temporarily increased her

Risperidal. She will be in patient for about a week, but I am very worried

that her group home won't be able to keep her for as long as we would have

liked. The owner there told me if she continues to express that much anger

and rage again, she will not be welcome back. The nursing home we have

selected as the alternative, has her on a waiting list, which currently is 1

1/2 years out.

I checked on her this morning, and she refused to dress, eat, and is saying

things that just don't make sense. She says she can't eat there because it

isn't her house. I am just devastated this happened, and I am even more

upset because I didn't want her Paxil cut that much in the first place. She

doesn't remember the altercation, which makes it harder to explain to her

why she has to be in the hospital.

This disease is just horrible. Ok, enough rambling! Take care,

Re: Trazodone

Shirley,

My Mom has been getting Trazodone for about 2 months now. Originally it was

ordered once a day and there was a PRN dose. Yesterday it was increased to

3

times daily at 50mg per dose. Mom has been very agitated lately. We are

hoping this will help. Mom has had hallucinations even when taking Atypical

Antipsychotics. I hope the increase in the Trazodone doesn't increase them.

Mom had also been on Seroquel, another Atypical Antipsychotic like

Respirdol.

Unfortunately for Mom she is very sensitive to these drugs and has adverse

effects to them. She develops Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome type symptoms.

She becomes rigid. We have tried several at low doses and she still has the

same adverse effects.

I'm hoping we are going to be able to find a " cocktail " that will work for

her.

Mariea

[Guest guest]

I am having a lot of these same things going on with my dad. The nh

called with a daily report to let me know dad took his meds., and that

is the most positive report they could give me. He is refusing all

cares, won't eat, and is VERY physically agressive. Not to sure what to

do either. Best of luck to you...this is so horrible to watch, and just

can't imagine what our LO's are feeling on the inside...sigh...

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

I often wonder what my MIL feels inside. One of the nurses at the hospital

feels some depression could be a factor in her recent actions. Her Paxil

was cut in half (I am just steamed about that now!) and we think this is a

certain culprit. That and what they call " poor sleep hygiene " . Meaning,

lack of sleep. They have just ordered a sleeping agent on top of the

resparidol in hopes this will help. I am very worried as the nursing home

our family has selected has a long waiting list, and her group home is

losing patience with her I believe. I am going to the hospital tonight to

help her eat as she has refused all meals today and will not get dressed.

She says she owns the place and can wear whatever she wants.

This is so hard. I am sorry you are having a difficult time too. We will

muddle through. Thanks for being there!

RE: Trazodone

I am having a lot of these same things going on with my dad. The nh

called with a daily report to let me know dad took his meds., and that

is the most positive report they could give me. He is refusing all

cares, won't eat, and is VERY physically agressive. Not to sure what to

do either. Best of luck to you...this is so horrible to watch, and just

can't imagine what our LO's are feeling on the inside...sigh...

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/12/02 10:28:49 AM Central Daylight Time,

cindy.vechinski@... writes:

> She doesn't remember the altercation, which makes it harder to explain to

> her

> why she has to be in the hospital.

So sorry to see this, . I hope SOMEONE there knows something about LBD!!

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/12/02 1:42:35 PM Central Daylight Time,

sanclown@... writes:

> this is so horrible to watch, and just can't imagine what our LO's are

> feeling on the inside...

Sandie, awful as the thought is, do you think he might be refusing cares and

being aggressive because he wants to be left alone to get on with the dying

process? I have no idea if this is true and am afraid it might sound

insensitive, but I do know that " some " patients wish to be gone rather than

continue with what has become a difficult and undignified condition. I feel

so badly for you as you watch . . .

Hugs,

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Cheryl

Yes, I agree with you. I have told the nh just to leave him

alone...don't force him to eat as maybe he has made a decision in

life...to end life. Most of the time he is so very aware. In fact, my

brother admitted to me that he had not been to see our dad for about 2

months. His hair is now about shoulder length, he has facial hair, and

was wearing a hat. When dad saw him at the psych. hospital, he started

crying all over again. He knew my brother, even though he didn't say

his name. Dad knows so much, and can do so little about it. I did not

feel you were insensitive with your reply, and your worded it very

kindly. It helped to reafirm what I have been feeling all along. Just

to give him some choice in life, even if that means putting and end to

this monster LBD, would give my dad the last dignity he so deserves.

Thank you for this Cheryl!

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

Thanks Cheryl. Funny you should mention that. When I was telling the

intake nurse that she has LBD, he looked up at me with a very puzzled look

and said, " What? What is LBD? " . I can't believe the staff on a mental

health ward wouldn't know about this. Especially when they call that unit

the " Dementia " unit! That didn't give me the warm fuzzies I was hoping for.

Thanks for the kind words!

Take care,

Re: Trazodone

In a message dated 8/12/02 10:28:49 AM Central Daylight Time,

cindy.vechinski@... writes:

> She doesn't remember the altercation, which makes it harder to explain to

> her

> why she has to be in the hospital.

So sorry to see this, . I hope SOMEONE there knows something about

LBD!!

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

, and Cheryl

Same thing happened last night at the Mercy lin Center...when I

mentioned LBD, the nurse even said she would pretend she knew what that

was. I defined to her what it is, and of course throughout the course

of admitting, I would add...oh, that is another characteristic is

LBD...on, and on. She was very understanding and appreciated that I had

taken dads living will, my power of attorney info., and some packets of

info. on LBD. Any time I can help educate the medical staff....I am on

it!

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

Very good point Sandie to have that POA and any other documents with you.

My FIL learned that lesson just Sunday. He did not have the POA with him,

so my MIL had to do her best to sign some of the forms. Now I am going to

keep a copy of that with me too. I also am starting to keep a copy of the 2

page print out " what is LBD " . It has a nice little description with

symptoms and everything. It is easy reading and is not very long. Just the

basics.

Take care,

RE: Trazodone

, and Cheryl

Same thing happened last night at the Mercy lin Center...when I

mentioned LBD, the nurse even said she would pretend she knew what that

was. I defined to her what it is, and of course throughout the course

of admitting, I would add...oh, that is another characteristic is

LBD...on, and on. She was very understanding and appreciated that I had

taken dads living will, my power of attorney info., and some packets of

info. on LBD. Any time I can help educate the medical staff....I am on

it!

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/13/02 8:15:36 AM Central Daylight Time,

sanclown@... writes:

> It helped to reafirm what I have been feeling all along. Just to give him

> some choice in life, even if that means putting and end to this monster

> LBD, would give my dad the last dignity he so deserves.

Yes, the dignity!! The dignity of being able to make some choices for

themselves. They become so devoid of it and personnel who never knew them as

they were have NO idea who they are dealing with - too many only see a

" body. " (That said, I have seen a few worth their weight in gold.) I get

especially upset when they talk down to the patients as if they are children

- even when meeting them for the first time.

Watching with you, Sandie.

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/13/02 9:21:36 AM Central Daylight Time,

cindy.vechinski@... writes:

> intake nurse that she has LBD, he looked up at me with a very puzzled look

> and said, " What? What is LBD? " . I can't believe the staff on a mental

> health ward wouldn't know about this. Especially when they call that unit

> the " Dementia " unit!

Downright scary, isn't it? Which is why it is SO important for us to be

there and to educate, educate, educate.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/13/02 12:14:56 PM Central Daylight Time,

cindy.vechinski@... writes:

> He did not have the POA with him, so my MIL had to do her best to sign some

> of the forms.

I guess for as long as I'm on this end of things I am very happy to be

further down than the Deep South. I am often offered the pen to sign,

without them even asking my husband. I usually pass the pen to him without

saying anything . . . Must be the way he looks.

Cheryl (who has DPOA in effect now for when it really is needed, and has

used it)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/13/02 12:14:56 PM Central Daylight Time,

cindy.vechinski@... writes:

> He did not have the POA with him, so my MIL had to do her best to sign some

> of the forms.

I guess for as long as I'm on this end of things I am very happy to be

further down than the Deep South. I am often offered the pen to sign,

without them even asking my husband. I usually pass the pen to him without

saying anything . . . Must be the way he looks.

Cheryl (who has DPOA in effect now for when it really is needed, and has

used it)

[Guest guest]

I also took along some print outs on LBD. One was a simple 2 page

report, the second was 14 pages long with explanations of medications to

use and not to use. I stressed during admitting that dad is sensitive

to neuroleptics, and today he had a hospital bracelet on that read

" Allergy to Neuroleptics " , not quite my wording, but definately gets the

point across not to give him those types of meds. I am sorry to hear

your FIL didn't have the POA papers with him, and that your MIL had to

struggle through signing papers. Again, for you, one more struggle that

hopefully will be avoided if a hospital visit were to happen again.

Thank you for your kind words and for proving that you truly care about

people!

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

I also took along some print outs on LBD. One was a simple 2 page

report, the second was 14 pages long with explanations of medications to

use and not to use. I stressed during admitting that dad is sensitive

to neuroleptics, and today he had a hospital bracelet on that read

" Allergy to Neuroleptics " , not quite my wording, but definately gets the

point across not to give him those types of meds. I am sorry to hear

your FIL didn't have the POA papers with him, and that your MIL had to

struggle through signing papers. Again, for you, one more struggle that

hopefully will be avoided if a hospital visit were to happen again.

Thank you for your kind words and for proving that you truly care about

people!

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

Cheryl

Sending a hug your way...your post brought tears to my eyes.

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

Cheryl

Sending a hug your way...your post brought tears to my eyes.

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

[Guest guest]

I totally agree!! Well put Cheryl!

Re: Trazodone

In a message dated 8/13/02 8:15:36 AM Central Daylight Time,

sanclown@... writes:

> It helped to reafirm what I have been feeling all along. Just to give him

> some choice in life, even if that means putting and end to this monster

> LBD, would give my dad the last dignity he so deserves.

Yes, the dignity!! The dignity of being able to make some choices for

themselves. They become so devoid of it and personnel who never knew them

as

they were have NO idea who they are dealing with - too many only see a

" body. " (That said, I have seen a few worth their weight in gold.) I get

especially upset when they talk down to the patients as if they are children

- even when meeting them for the first time.

Watching with you, Sandie.

Cheryl